Portfolio vs. Resume — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 16, 2023
A portfolio showcases samples of work, while a resume summarizes professional experience and qualifications.
Difference Between Portfolio and Resume
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A portfolio and a resume are both tools used by professionals to present themselves to potential employers or clients. However, while a portfolio is a collection of work samples representing a person's skills, a resume is a document that summarizes a person's professional experience, education, and qualifications.
When applying for a job or project, individuals might be asked for both a portfolio and a resume. The portfolio gives a visual or tangible representation of what one can do, whereas the resume provides a chronological listing of employment history, skills, and academic achievements.
In certain professions, like graphic design or photography, a portfolio is essential as it displays an individual's style and proficiency. On the other hand, a resume is universally expected across industries to understand a candidate's background and expertise.
Compiling a portfolio requires selecting and organizing samples of work that best represent an individual's skills and achievements. In contrast, creating a resume involves detailing work experience, education, skills, and other pertinent information in a concise format.
It's noteworthy that the digital age has transformed both these tools. Many professionals now have online portfolios showcasing their work on personal websites. Similarly, digital resumes can be shared easily via email or job application platforms.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Showcases samples of work.
Summarizes professional experience and qualifications.
Format
Visual or tangible with samples.
Document listing employment history, skills, and education.
Essential for
Professions like graphic design, photography, writing, etc.
All professions.
Updating Frequency
Whenever new work samples are available.
When gaining new experiences, skills, or qualifications.
Digital Version
Personal websites, online galleries.
PDFs, LinkedIn, online job application platforms.
Compare with Definitions
Portfolio
A compilation of best works for review.
To secure the freelance project, Jake shared his portfolio with the client.
Resume
A summary of professional experience.
After updating her resume, Jane applied for the manager position.
Portfolio
A collection of work samples.
Sarah's portfolio showcased her best graphic designs.
Resume
A brief account of academic achievements.
The resume should include all relevant coursework and degrees.
Portfolio
An assortment of achievements in a specific field.
The artist's portfolio included paintings from various exhibitions.
Resume
A tool for job applications.
Before the interview, he sent his resume to the hiring manager.
Portfolio
A visual demonstration of proficiency.
The photographer's portfolio was filled with breathtaking landscapes.
Resume
A brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application.
Portfolio
A portable case for holding material, such as loose papers, photographs, or drawings.
Resume
A summary
A résumé of the facts of the case.
Portfolio
A collection of works or documents that are representative of a person's skills and accomplishments
A photographer's portfolio.
An artist's portfolio of drawings.
Resume
To begin or take up again after interruption
Resumed our dinner.
Portfolio
The office or post of a cabinet member or minister of state.
Resume
To assume, take, or occupy again
The dog resumed its post by the door.
Portfolio
A group of investments held by an investor, investment company, or financial institution.
Resume
To take on or take back again
Resumed my original name.
Portfolio
A case for carrying papers, drawings, photographs, maps and other flat documents.
Resume
To begin again or continue after interruption.
Portfolio
(by extension) The collection of such documents, especially the works of an artist or photographer.
Resume
To take back possession of (something).
Portfolio
(politics) The post and the responsibilities of a cabinet minister or other head of a government department.
Resume
To summarise.
Portfolio
(finance) The group of investments and other assets held by an investor.
Resume
(transitive) To start (something) again that has been stopped or paused from the point at which it was stopped or paused; continue, carry on.
We will resume this discussion tomorrow at nine.
Portfolio
(business) A collection of assets; (figurative) any collection of things considered as investments or assets.
I would like to introduce you to our portfolio of services.
Resume
(intransitive) To start again after an interruption or pause.
Normal service has resumed.
Portfolio
A range of products.
Product portfolio
Resume
A summary or synopsis.
Portfolio
A portable case for holding loose papers, prints, drawings, etc.
Resume
A summary or account of education and employment experiences and qualifications; a curriculum vitae (often for presentation to a potential future employer when applying for a job).
Portfolio
Hence: The office and functions of a minister of state or member of the cabinet; as, to receive the portfolio of war; to resign the portfolio.
Resume
A summing up; a condensed statement; an abridgment or brief recapitulation.
The exellent little résumé thereof in Dr. Landsborough's book.
Portfolio
A case for carrying papers or drawings or maps; usually leather
Resume
To take back.
The sun, like this, from which our sight we have,Gazed on too long, resumes the light he gave.
Perhaps God will resume the blessing he has bestowed ere he attains the age of manhood.
Portfolio
A list of the financial assets held by an individual or a bank or other financial institution
Resume
To enter upon, or take up again.
Reason resumed her place, and Passion fled.
Portfolio
The role of the head of a government department;
He holds the portfolio for foreign affairs
Resume
To begin again; to recommence, as something which has been interrupted; as, to resume an argument or discourse.
Portfolio
A tangible representation of one's skills.
Architects often have a portfolio with drawings of their designs.
Resume
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Resume
A summary of your academic and work history
Resume
Take up or begin anew;
We resumed the negotiations
Resume
Return to a previous location or condition;
The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it
Resume
Assume anew;
Resume a title
Resume an office
Resume one's duties
Resume
Give a summary (of);
He summed up his results
I will now summarize
Resume
A document detailing work history.
Tim's resume highlighted his decade-long experience in marketing.
Resume
A chronological listing of qualifications.
Upon graduating, Carla added her degree to her resume.
Common Curiosities
Can a portfolio be digital?
Absolutely, many professionals have digital portfolios on personal websites or online galleries.
What's the primary purpose of a portfolio?
A portfolio primarily showcases samples of one's work.
How often should one update their resume?
One should update their resume whenever they gain new experiences, skills, or qualifications.
Can a portfolio contain personal projects?
Yes, a portfolio can include both professional and personal projects that showcase one's skills.
Which professions most commonly use portfolios?
Professions like graphic design, photography, and writing often require a portfolio.
How long should a resume be?
Typically, a resume should be one to two pages, depending on the individual's experience.
Is a resume required for all job applications?
Yes, a resume is typically required to summarize professional experience and qualifications.
Is an online portfolio more advantageous than a physical one?
An online portfolio is easily shareable and accessible but having both can be advantageous depending on the situation.
Should resumes be tailored for each job application?
Yes, it's often beneficial to tailor a resume to match the specific requirements of a job listing.
Does a portfolio replace the need for a resume?
No, a portfolio showcases work samples, while a resume provides a summary of professional experience.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
